Andy vs Android-x86
When comparing Andy vs Android-x86, the Slant community recommends Android-x86 for most people. In the question“What are the best ways to run/emulate Android on a PC?” Android-x86 is ranked 6th while Andy is ranked 12th.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Can be rooted
To root Andy download this rootkit, extract the archive and run AndyRootkit30.exe. It comes with frequently installed root applications that can be installed in the process and also allows unrooting Andy.
Pro Easy to get started
As long as virtualization is enabled in BIOS, the setup is straightforward. Simply download, install, run. First time the software runs it will ask to either log in with a Google account or create one allowing it to download software directly from the Play Store.
Pro The virtual machine Andy runs in is highly customizable
With some tinkering, Andy can be set up to run with up to 3GB of RAM, the current Android 32bit RAM limit. It allows for a smooth experience and offers enough power to have multiple apps running simultaneously. The VM can even add more virtual CPU cores to Andy, doubling it's processing power or more.
Pro Use of Genymotion VHD allows Andy to be very fast
Andy is built on top of the powerful Genymotion VHD. It takes advantage of OpenGL capable graphics cards allowing it to be one of the fastest Android emulators.
Pro Allows installing third-party launchers
Andy comes with a custom clever implementation of ADW. It is theme-able, while functions very well without any modifications. The app sorting is a nice touch. Andy is compatible with most Android launchers.
Pro Great application compatibility and stability
Andy is constantly optimizing for applications to perform better on their system. Their support staff has a reporting setup to get the right information to the developers as fast as possible.
Pro Allows using a smartphone as a controller
It can't stream media to a phone, but it can work as a game controller. It allows for accelerometer- and touch-based interactions.
Pro Good customer support
Andy manages support mostly through a Facebook group where both knowledgeable admins and smart community members help answer questions.
Pro Fully functioning notifications and widgets
Andy supports all traditional Android widgets and notifications. It can even use apps like Push Bullet to send those notifications to their other devices.
Pro Great Clash of Clans gameplay experience
The new launcher provided for, it seems, limitless number of Andy tablets. Have a Andy just for CoC with 3GB and 4CPUs to maximize your CoC play to the next level. Then make a full copy of that machine for a full backup. Have an Andy for the children, be able to lock each Andy with a password lock-screen. And manage all this with less only 7 buttons ;) Again, Simple and powerful.
Pro Simple OS upgrade process
As of this latest version, users can be notified of new versions and incremental changes. It's possible to update only certain pieces or parts, rather than downloading an entirely new build. Andy is also exploring OTA update possibilities.
Pro Andy is available in over 40 languages.
For a full list of supported languages, see here.
Pro All apps and settings can be synced between Andy and an Android device on the same network with 1ClickSync
While setting up Andy, 1ClickSync will ask for Google Account credentials that allow keeping apps and their settings in sync between Andy and an Android device.
Pro Available on Windows 7 & 8
Andy is available on Windows 7 and 8.1 PCs with OS X support in development.
Pro No signup required
Downloading Andy requires only one click with no email address or account needed.
Pro It's a complete port of Android to x86
Pro Has Bluetooth & WiFi support
Pro Stable device support
Runs on more devices than any other available Android on a PC product presently available, KitKat, Lollipop, all open source.
Pro Actively developed
Since 2009 the pet project of running Android on a PC by a highly respected developer, has gathered many developer contributions from the open source community...and in 2015 they are still going strong and delivering. Contributors are welcomed and needed for ongoing development work, any donations are accepted.
Pro Open source
Using Open Source Mesa for GPU / Video and presently up to Linux Kernel 4.0.6, with some Kernel 4.1 test builds available from contributors....
Cons
Con Andy's Installer is known to drop/install a bitcoin miner
Andy's Installer has been reported to drop a bitcoin miner on users computer which causes significant drop in PC performance.
Con Still on Jelly Bean
KitKat version is planned.
Con No Linux Version
Con Can crash your mac
Con Only installs in Windows Drive C:/
Which is where windows is installed. What's more, it does not let you change the installation path.
Con Quite resource intensive
Con Slow performance
Runs very slow which is not efficient.
Con Short list of supported devices
Currently it's tested on only the following devices:
- ASUS Eee PCs/Laptops
- Viewsonic Viewpad 10
- Dell Inspiron Mini Duo
- Samsung Q1U
- Viliv S5
- Lenovo ThinkPad x61 Tablet
Check them out, download a build and try it for yourself, read their forums and see what is presently happening, from the SurfacePRO 3 work in progress to the older Asus T100 ongoing work and many other PC's, Laptop, 2-in-1's, the older Surface 2, Dell XPS 12, Dell Venue 8, HP Stream, Sony Viao and many others. AOSP KitKat is their present released product, Lollipop version 5.1.1 is their present development cycle. There are builds available for either.